When Alka spoke these words, the Archbishop seemed to have finished his prayers. He lowered his hands and opened his eyes.
He approached a nearby chair and sat down, gesturing for Alka to sit opposite him.
After Alka sat down, the Archbishop waved his fingertips slightly, and a delicate little teacup appeared before him, automatically filling with clear water.
"Oh, thank you." Alka picked up the teacup and thanked him.
Only after this did the Archbishop speak, "Then this is no longer a matter of equal power; of course, there’s no problem."
A Holy Grail and a Scepter—there’s an entire Level of difference between them.
There is certainly no conflict between them.
Because they are not of equal power; one is strong, and the other is weak.
The weaker side must naturally yield.
Having understood these points, Alka nodded.
Knowledge isn’t something one can learn in the outside world; only a major organization could have compiled it.
The fact that they were willing to tell him for free, just because he asked, was already quite generous.
Alka was very satisfied.
Thinking of this, Alka asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why are you willing to just give me that Treasure for no apparent reason? My contributions aren’t enough to earn an entire Treasure." This had been troubling him for a while, so he took the opportunity to ask.
Hearing this, the Archbishop looked at him, smiled, and shook his head.
"Haha, that was your father’s heirloom—at least, nominally so. Of course, it’s better to entrust it to you. Besides, that Treasure isn’t suitable for the Church."
Saying this, the Archbishop suddenly stared at Alka. After some thought, he said, "You have other questions you want to know, right?"
"This sea area, although vast, is too narrow for you and your companions.
"It’s like a cage, trapping birds that long to soar freely. Those petrels that wish to brave storms are, in calm seas, as if bound."
The Archbishop spoke as if to himself, his words somewhat ambiguous. But Alka, to whom he was referring, understood his meaning.
This meant Alka and his companions wanted to leave this sea area, to find a way out and yearn for the world beyond—a sea area even more bizarre and wondrous. This was because they had already come to understand some of the underlying truths.
After speaking, the Archbishop looked at Alka. "Child, how about we make a transaction?"
"A transaction? What kind of transaction?"
Alka said with interest. Proposing a transaction at this time made the intention perfectly clear. To obtain more secret knowledge, one must pay a price; it can’t be learned for free. The information I received earlier was the extent of what’s complimentary.
"The Church has intelligence regarding a specific Treasure, very suitable for the Church. Are you willing to retrieve it for us?"
Without waiting for Alka to respond, the Archbishop suddenly slapped his forehead as if he had remembered something.
"No, as the one initiating the transaction, I should discuss the reward first, right? Hahaha."
The Archbishop laughed heartily, like a mischievous old man, not at all fitting the dignified image expected of a Church Archbishop.
Then, after some consideration, he said to Alka, "How about this? If you are willing to take on this task, whether you succeed or fail, I will tell you the information and intelligence you want to know.
"Hmm... information concerning the real world.
"And if you successfully bring the Treasure back, then I am willing to give you an opportunity—an opportunity for you to exchange for Church Treasures of equivalent value. How about that?"
Listening to the Archbishop’s offer, Alka frowned and began to ponder the pros and cons.
Unexpectedly, the Archbishop seemed to think of something else and added, "Let’s add one more condition. If you are willing to take on the task, the Church’s shipyard can provide its services to you once. How about that? These terms are quite generous, wouldn’t you say? I’ve tailored them especially for you.
"It seems the ship you brought is on the verge of becoming a Ghost Ship, and not just any shipyard can repair it, let alone modify it."
Hearing the Archbishop’s terms, Alka touched his forehead.
These conditions really don’t require any thought; I’ll definitely accept.
The terms offered by the Archbishop could only be described as generous.
As long as Alka was willing to take on the task, regardless of success or failure, the Archbishop would provide him with the means to leave this sea area and even offered free ship services.
This was something Alka urgently needed.
After all, the Music Ship was in truly poor condition, and ordinary shipyards weren’t qualified to touch it, much less repair or modify it.
The Church’s shipyard, however, would undoubtedly be top-notch in this sea area; one could tell just by looking at the Church’s own ships.
Moreover, successfully completing the task would grant an opportunity to exchange for Church Treasures of equivalent value.
Alka frowned, a little perplexed. Why offer such a reward? And why is the Archbishop so certain I’ll need such an opportunity?
At this thought, Alka looked up, his eyes filled with puzzlement as he gazed at the old man before him.
The Archbishop chuckled at Alka’s inquiring gaze.
"Judging by your expression, you must be somewhat puzzled. So, which of the terms is it that perplexes you?"
"It must be the reward for successfully retrieving the Treasure, right?"